New Non-Profit Organization to Provide Smokies Oversight

Happy New Year and it looks to be a good one. As some of you know several folks got together last year, many of whom are members of this site, to start forming Southern Forest Watch. This group was formed after the announcement by park officials to institute a backountry fee ignoring the large majority of public comments against it. Southern Forest Watch is taking donations online to fight the looming backcountry fees and other potential fees which may impact our kids and grandkids. Southern Forest Watch will also will be monitoring park policies closely in the future to make sure the people have a better voice on these things the next time around. You can visit here and find out more:

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Nice stuff Adam thanks for keeping us in the loop. Thought of you as I was driving back from Lower Abrams this afternoon and figured I couldn't be too far from where you live.

Mike, was that you that set out the snuff bottle, broken china, etc at the Mill / Bridge spot? A guy I paddle with even found an leather shoe sole which was the first leather find I have made in the park. With the daffodills and Yucca plants I noticed more homesites then ever

Once more the government will take from us and we will get nothing in return except more regulations and more fees. NPS has already admitted that the fees will only be enough to pay for the reservation service itself. NONE will be left over for use in the park. It's time to stand up against another government scam. I've already put my money where my mouth is and I encourage everyone else to do so as well.

They just announced that the backcountry fee will be implemented on Feb 13. This means that for the privilege of sleeping on the ground with no amenities, you will be taxed to use land donated to the federal government by private citizens. (the Smokies was largely amassed as a result of private donation). If you, like us, feel as if this is an egregious governmental overreach, consider contributing to our legal fund. We are suing the National Park Service and will file suit immediately following implementation. www.southernforestwatch.org The future of your children's ability to enjoy public lands free of surcharges depends upon this fight. Remember, they started charging to see the fireflies immediately after approval for the backcountry fee. Next you will pay to park at Alum Cave trailhead, to tube at the Y, to fly fish Noland Creek and dayhike to Abram's Falls. Make a stand now and have no regrets when your children are of age to enjoy the park on their own.

Adam--Thanks, both for the link and for sharing this information. Johnny Molloy, who is a guy who has absolutely "walked the walk" (he tries to spend at least half of each year sleeping on the ground while hiking or canoeing somewhere), nails the situation. I realize that many folks that that the backcountry fee and related actions are wonderful, but I would urge you to ponder Molloy's thoughts and then visit www.southernforestwatch.org.